Ariens 911055 Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens 911055 is a 21-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, 6-position cutting height adjustment, single-lever speed control, and durable steel deck. This manual covers safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure proper and safe use of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Engine Care 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear bagger, mulch plug, side discharge chute, 6-position height adjuster, self-propelled drive system, and single-lever speed control.

FeatureDescription
Engine159cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, OHV
Cutting Width21 inches
Cutting Options3-in-1 (Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge)
Cutting Height Adjustment6 positions (1.25" to 3.75")
Drive SystemSelf-propelled, front-wheel drive
Speed ControlSingle-lever variable speed
Deck MaterialDurable steel
Fuel Tank Capacity0.95 gallons
StarterRecoil pull-start
WarrantyLimited 2-year residential warranty

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from the box and verify contents against the parts list. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

  1. Attach the handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, insert bolts and tighten securely.
  2. Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle using provided knobs or bolts.
  3. Attach the grass bag: Slide bag frame onto rear deck hooks until it clicks into place.
  4. Install mulch plug (if mulching): Insert plug into rear discharge opening.
  5. Add oil and gasoline: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (check dipstick) and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Do not attempt to start the engine before adding oil. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating the mower.

  1. Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects that could be thrown.
  2. Always wear sturdy footwear, long pants, and eye protection.
  3. Do not mow when children or pets are present.
  4. Never operate mower without proper guards, plates, or grass bag in place.
  5. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before unclogging or adjusting.
  6. Refuel outdoors only, with engine off and cool.

DANGER! Gasoline is highly flammable. Keep sparks and flames away. Store fuel in an approved container.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Handle Controls: Drive control lever (engages self-propelled wheels), Speed control lever (adjusts ground speed), Height adjustment lever (single lever for all wheels).

Engine Controls: Throttle control (sets engine speed), Primer bulb (press 3 times for cold start), Recoil starter grip.

Starting Procedure: 1. Move throttle to FAST position. 2. Press primer bulb 3 times. 3. Pull recoil starter firmly. 4. To stop, release drive control and move throttle to STOP.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust all four wheels simultaneously using the single lever located on each wheel.

  1. Stop the engine and wait for blade to stop completely.
  2. Pull the height adjustment lever outward and move to desired position (1-6).
  3. Release lever to lock into place. Ensure all wheels are at the same height.
  4. For best results, do not cut more than 1/3 of grass blade length at one time.

Tip: Higher settings for rough terrain, lower settings for a manicured lawn.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends mower life.

Maintenance TaskFrequency
Check engine oil levelBefore each use
Clean underside of deckAfter each use
Check blade for sharpness/balanceEvery 25 hours
Replace air filterEvery season or 25 hours
Replace spark plugEvery season or 100 hours
Change engine oilFirst 5 hours, then every 50 hours
Lubricate wheel bearingsEvery season
Inspect drive beltEvery 25 hours

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical for reliable operation.

  1. Oil Change: Run engine briefly to warm oil. Drain via drain plug into pan. Refill with SAE 30 to full mark on dipstick.
  2. Air Filter: Remove cover, clean foam pre-cleaner in soapy water, replace paper element if dirty.
  3. Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.030". Replace if electrodes are worn.
  4. Fuel System: Use fresh gasoline. Add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance to prevent accidental starting.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare your mower for off-season storage to prevent damage.

  1. Run engine to burn fuel from carburetor or add fuel stabilizer to full tank.
  2. Change engine oil and replace air filter.
  3. Clean mower thoroughly, especially underside of deck.
  4. Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil into cylinder, and pull starter slowly to coat.
  5. Store in a clean, dry place, preferably covered.

WARNING! Gasoline left in the carburetor for long periods can form gum deposits that clog fuel passages.

Warranty Information

Ariens Company provides a limited warranty for the 911055 lawn mower. The engine is covered by a separate Briggs & Stratton warranty.

Residential Warranty: 2-year limited warranty from date of purchase against defects in material or workmanship. Proof of purchase required.

What is Covered: Repair or replacement of defective parts at Ariens' discretion.

What is Not Covered: Normal wear items (blades, belts, cables), damage from misuse, neglect, improper storage, or commercial use.

For warranty service, contact an authorized Ariens service dealer. Keep your receipt. For more information, visit www.ariens.com or call 1-800-678-5443.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine will not startNo fuel, stale fuel, clogged filter, spark plug wire disconnectedAdd fresh gasoline, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug connection.
Engine runs poorly or stallsDirty air filter, old gasoline, clogged fuel lineReplace air filter, drain and refill with fresh fuel.
Mower vibrates excessivelyDamaged or unbalanced blade, loose hardwareStop engine, inspect blade for damage, tighten all bolts.
Uneven cuttingDull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck cloggedSharpen or replace blade, clean deck, check tire pressure.
Self-propelled drive not workingDrive cable out of adjustment, worn drive beltAdjust drive cable tension, inspect and replace belt if worn.
Grass not discharging properlyWet grass, engine speed too low, deck cloggedMow when grass is dry, run at full throttle, clean deck.

For Technical Support: Contact Ariens Customer Service at 1-800-678-5443 or visit www.ariens.com.

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